The Academy of Design (AOD) which is a key institution in the advancement of Sri Lanka's creative industries, has invested on making Worth Global Style Network (WGSN) - the world’s largest trend forecaster and leading fashion authority, available to the students of the AOD. WGSN is an exclusive network which plays a huge role in the international design world through its knowledge sharing, trend predictions and many other services which has won WGSN the confidence of many creative industries and industry leaders. WGSN has been acclaimed as "A fashion industry must-have" by the Guardian and as "The fashion industry's secret weapon" by the Wall Street Journal.

AOD's founder and managing directress Linda Speldewinde, who identified the great value of the network for creative students and even design educators, was keen to establish WGSN. The network hosts over 4 million images, with 2,000 new ones each day along with a range of other benefits such as design industry news from all over the world, predictions from top designers, and even a room to develop strategies and publish your own findings to the world.

A special ceremony was held in the AOD chaired by WGSN's Regional Director of South Asia Mr. Luv Jasuja on July 13, in order to inaugurate the network in Sri Lanka. Saluka Kotagama, the principal of the Academy of Design stated that WGSN provides a unique opportunity for AOD's young designers; "WGSN is a fabulous platform for our design students at AOD to be exposed to current global trends. This resource stores images and articles concerning trends in style, design and lifestyle within today's international arena. Just a few clicks on the computer, and the world is at your fingertips - it's just amazing. The variety of information available brings the international scene, which is far away for most of our students, into the classroom and the studio and helps them view design globally, not just locally. WGSN brings the design world right to your doorstep!"

AOD is a driving force behind nurturing the creativity of Sri Lankan youth and helping them to achieve the essential professional skills required by creative industries the world over. Establishing of creative networks such as WGSN known as the global fashion authority, ensures that Sri Lankan students receive similar facilities as creative students of Europe and North America; this is a crucial purpose of the AOD which aspires to create a generation of design professionals who will undoubtedly lead Sri Lanka to the forefront of global design.